As Villanova has continued to celebrate Women’s History Month this March, a relatively new female-driven organization on campus had the opportunity to table and raise awareness for its cause.
The Space, founded in the 2023-24 academic year, focuses on issues of women’s rights, specifically reproductive justice. Its concerns have also paved the way to advocacy for other topics under the wider women’s empowerment umbrella, including the intersection of race and gender, political activism, healthy relationships and domestic violence awareness. The Space also participates in service projects as a means of uplifting women on campus and in the local area.
Previous activities this year furthered the goals of this club, include “Cookies and Conversation” meetings for open dialogue, guest speaker features such as Democratic Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, who represents PA’s 5th District, “Wear Denim Day” to raise awareness for sexual violence, and placing donation bins in Bartley and the Connelly Center to support local women’s shelters.
Collaboration with other groups at Villanova, like Amnesty International and the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness organization, have widened the scope of The Space’s impact, introducing the group to a wider audience.
“We know there are a ton of people that care about reproductive rights and justice on campus, and it can be hard to find a ‘space’ where we can freely talk about it,” Social Media and Marketing Director of The Space, Scarlett Quisenberry said.
On Tuesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 20, members of The Space tabled in Connelly and outside of St. Rita’s on behalf of their organization. This served as a chance to not only to honor Women’s History Month, but also to invite Villanova students to learn about the group, ask questions, and get free merchandise. This event was in collaboration with the Villanova Center for Peace and Justice Education, which houses student groups and runs courses and events throughout the year. On both days, The Space’s representatives volunteered their time to cover the tabling slots of two to three hours.
“Ultimately, tabling is the best way to get our name out there and talk to other, like-minded people,” Quisenberry said. “We want to show the University that this matters to the student body.”
On Wednesday, March 19, The Space joined with other Villanova organizations focused on women’s rights, opportunities and accomplishments. Gathered in a line by the Oreo, several organizations held tables bearing pink decorations, blasted music by female artists and encouraged passersby to join their mailing lists and get involved. Alongside groups like the Women in Pre-Law Caucus, Girl Gains, Pink Club and Girls Who Read, The Space supported female empowerment.
“We decided to table this week because now more than ever it is imperative to talk about injustice,” co-President Sophia Lemmons said. “Despite this being a Catholic campus, we know that many members of the Villanova community care about reproductive healthcare. We tabled for Women’s History Month and Advocacy Week, and distributed stickers and flyers promoting reproductive justice without administrative resistance. We look forward to continuing this strategy to spread awareness and advocate for our cause.”
Overall, the tabling initiatives run by The Space seemed to accomplish what these leaders had in mind. The organization saw high rates of attendance and engagement among students on each of these days. As Women’s History Month draws to a close, it is clear that the mission of The Space and other women’s groups on campus are eager to continue making an impact, today and every day.
